Head of BESS – Director Level
Location: Rome (Hybrid)
Salary: Competitive, aligned with seniority and experience
Benefits: Market-leading bonus scheme (50%+)
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior BESS expert to lead the delivery of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across Italy. You will take full ownership of projects from advanced development / ready-to-build stage through construction, commissioning, and Commercial Operation Date (COD). This role ensures projects are bankable, fully compliant with Italian regulations, and aligned with the IPP business model (merchant, capacity market, grid services).
With 1.4GW of authorised BESS projects and a flagship project set to be one of Italy's largest energy storage installations, this challenging role will put you at the heart of one of the most ambitious BESS pipelines in the market.
Key Responsibilities
* End-to-end ownership of BESS projects: scope, cost, schedule, risk, and quality.
* Define and execute project strategies aligned with IPP objectives.
* Coordinate cross-functional teams: Development, Grid, Finance, Legal, O&M.
* Lead Italian permitting processes (PAS/AU, VIA, environmental screening, grid connection authorization).
* Act as primary interface with Terna, e-distribuzione, DSOs, and authorities .
* Ensure compliance with Italian/EU regulations, fire prevention, and CEI BESS standards .
* Oversee grid connection design and adherence to Italian grid codes.
* Support development of project business models : Capacity Market, Ancillary Services, Energy Arbitrage.
* Collaborate with energy management and trading teams.
* Oversee technical design : Batteries, PCS, EMS, SCADA, Balance of Plant.
* Lead procurement, EPC/supplier selection, and manage contracts (EPC, LTSA, O&M).
* Drive value engineering, manage technical variations, and optimize CAPEX/OPEX.
* Support financing processes and technical due diligence; ensure bankability.
* Oversee construction, HSE compliance, commissioning, and COD achievement.
* Ensure structured handover to O&M teams, with complete as-built documentation.
Requirements
* Master's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, or equivalent).
* 8–10+ years in energy or infrastructure project delivery, with proven BESS experience.
* Strong background in IPP and/or EPC contractor environments .
* Deep knowledge of the Italian power market and regulatory framework .
* Full professional proficiency in English .
Skills & Competencies
* Expertise in BESS architectures and control systems (EMS, SCADA).
* Solid understanding of power systems, grid connections, and CEI standards .
* Experience with Terna grid connection processes .
* Bankability-focused assessment of technical solutions.
* Senior-level leadership, decision-making, and negotiation skills .
* Experience with hybrid projects (PV+BESS / Wind+BESS) and merchant/semi-merchant models.
* Familiarity with BESS fire safety standards and Italian ancillary services mechanisms.
Benefits
* Permanent employment with a stable, growing renewable energy platform .
* Direct involvement in long-term solar and storage projects .
* Competitive salary and market-leading bonus scheme (50%+).